Rasam Restaurant — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

Money Better Spent Elsewhere

We called on a Saturday afternoon to confirm whether a la carte menu items were still available, as the restaurant typically serves a buffet on weekends. Over the phone, we were assured that the a la carte menu was indeed being served.

Based on that confirmation, we decided to visit. However, upon arrival, we were informed that only the buffet was available. The front-of-house staff explained that the buffet included all the items from the a la carte menu and suggested it would be more economical at $30 per person. We politely declined, as we weren’t planning on having a large meal.

Despite our preference, the staff continued to encourage us to opt for the buffet. Eventually, they allowed us to scan the QR code and order from the regular menu. My partner chose the Mini Tiffin, which, according to their website, includes Idli (1 pc), Poori (1 pc), Mini Masala Dosa (1 pc), Ghee Pongal, Medhu Vada, and the Sweet of the Day for $25.

The staff then suggested my partner take the buffet food instead, claiming it included all the Mini Tiffin items but would only charge $25. Unfortunately, the buffet was nearly depleted only rice, idli, and a few curries remained. No dosa, poori, or several other items that were supposed to be available. To be fair, we arrived 30 minutes before closing, so it’s understandable that the buffet was winding down. However, if most items were unavailable, it would have been more honest to inform us upfront or simply say the a la carte menu wasn’t being served.

To top it off, when we asked for extra sugar for our coffee, we were told they didn’t have any, only a backhanded comment implying that it would have cost us an extra $7 had we ordered the coffee with the Mini Tiffin. That was genuinely baffling and felt unnecessarily petty.

I’m reluctant to leave a negative review, as I understand how it can impact a business, but this experience felt disorganized and disappointing. The service was chaotic, though the staff did their best to be attentive. The food was decent, but nothing particularly unique or...

Dear @Ranga Temple Ranga Anna, @Vudhay Anna Mawson Temple Vudhay Anna, Aparna Acca, @Gaythri Udhay Gaythri Acca, Engal @Kelvin Kalay Kelvin Anna, @Sundar Temple Sundar, Logeshwari, and our rising cricket star Sid,

Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional hospitality you provided today at "Rasam," our newfound haven for authentic South Indian cuisine. Your warm welcome and attentive service transformed our dining experience into a cherished memory, reminiscent of Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage.

Stepping into Rasam, one is immediately enveloped in an atmosphere resonating with the melodious tunes of Illayarajah, setting the perfect backdrop for a culinary journey through the flavors of the region. The beautiful portraits of Tamil Nadu displayed as part of the ambiance added a touch of nostalgia and further immersed us in the essence of the land.

Each dish presented as part of the Kalyana bhojan was nothing short of divine nectar, tantalizing our taste buds and leaving us craving for more.

With Rasam now gracing our own Canberra landscape, there's no longer a need for our Indian and Sri Lankan community to embark on a 3.5-hour journey to Sydney in search of exquisite vegetarian fare. The restaurant's strategic location within the ANU premises, coupled with convenient parking facilities, makes it an accessible retreat for both locals and city dwellers alike.

Rest assured, my family and I are committed to visiting Rasam at least every couple of weeks. Trust me, my dear friends, this place is going to be a great friends catch-up hub. Rasam isn't just a restaurant; it's a sanctuary where one can escape the stresses of everyday life, savoring not only delectable dishes but also the essence of tradition and camaraderie. It's destined to become a beloved gathering spot for Canberra's...

As a fellow South Indian, I appreciate the effort to bring a taste of home to Canberra. The intent behind the dishes is commendable. However, there's a noticeable gap in achieving the authentic South Indian flavor profile. While the preparation was sincere, it fell short of the balanced and complex taste that defines South Indian cuisine. It's disheartening to see that constructive criticism wasn't received well. The hospitality industry thrives on feedback, and responding with grace and professionalism is paramount. It's essential to acknowledge customer concerns and use them as opportunities for improvement. Additionally, maintaining a respectful environment for both staff and customers is crucial. Using dismissive or disrespectful language, even within the kitchen, can inadvertently reflect on the dining experience. Clear and efficient communication, such as using table numbers or names, can streamline service and enhance customer satisfaction. I encourage the restaurant to strive for excellence by: Refining the recipes: Pay close attention to the balance of spices, herbs, and ingredients to achieve authentic South Indian flavors. Enhancing the presentation: A visually appealing presentation can significantly elevate the dining experience. Improving customer service: Train staff to handle feedback gracefully and professionally. Fostering a positive work environment: A positive work environment can lead to better service and happier customers. While the current effort is commendable, there's room for significant improvement. I hope this feedback is taken constructively to elevate the dining experience for all South Indian food lovers in...